A while back I reached 100+ followers (that weren’t family and friends… although you guys are just as important!). I honestly am pretty sure half of them probably aren’t actual humans… but regardless, it was a pretty weird feeling. Whether or not there are a 100 of you out there reading this or not, I am just happy to have an outlet for my writing, which has always been my goal. This blog is a lifestyle blog, if I had to choose a box to stuff it in, but it seems pretty illogical at times- sort of like life! But, I couldn’t help but want to set aside just one measly post and say THANK YOU. People write to be heard, but more than that, people write to connect. I have always known the power of words, I’ve used them quite a lot to explain who I am. Whether it be through a thank you letter, a special “hey there” note, a love letter, a blog, or an application for something, I’ve always been thankful to be able to have that ability. I had an English professor who once said that English majors could get anything they wanted because we could take on any persona we wanted to get things done. I’ve definitely felt the benefits of being able to precisely argue points and write effectively. I take being called “eloquent” one of the best compliments an English major, or even just a human-being in general, can receive.

It takes a lot of confidence to be honest with yourself and write down how you feel, but even more to expose those thoughts to the world. I recently read a Hemingway short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” where he said:

“There was so much to write. He had seen the world change; not just the events; although he had seen many of them and had watched the people, but he had seen the subtler change and he could remember how the people were at different times. He had been in it and he had watched it and it was his duty to write of it…”

When I read those lines my little writing soul soured. That’s it; that is why I write too. I feel like that duty is mine. It’s an impressive responsibility, but it never hurts to try. I firmly believe we all have voices and we all have stories itching to come out. The mediums we use to express it are all different.Mine is writing.

In this post I want to thank those who listen and who comment and let me know “hey, I hear you and keep writing”. You, you wonderful people out there who do that, reinforce what I love so much. So now I would like to take a moment and share my gratitude to you directly:

A.M.B. at the Misfortune of Knowing has definitely been one of those loyal followers. I can’t remember who followed who first (nor does it really matter), but I love reading her blog because it is always so well-written (I’m always finding mistakes in mine after multiple edits), and she has so much wise insight. Her blog is mostly book reviews, but I love how her unique spin comes from the perspective of a lawyer, as well as a mother of twins. Needless to say, you need to give her blog a look over because it is well worth your time. Thank you so much A.M.B.!

Campari Girl over at Campari and Sofa has been one of those followers that I’m honored to have. I’d say her and A.M.B. are kind of like blogger role-models. I know that sounds sappy, but I am quite a bit less experienced than they are both with blogs and life in general. I love her and Sofagirl’s blog because they have this wonderful teamwork of posting that keeps things interesting and engaging. Their effortless writing makes you feel as though you’re having coffee with a good friend (and who doesn’t like that?!). They always have the most intriguing things to talk about from recipes to culture to personal experiences- it’s all there. So, thank you Campari girl for being such a wonderful blogger and follower!

Lily Petal is another blogger I want to do a quick shout out to. She actually nominated me for the “Really Inspiring Blogger” award ages ago, and I remember just thinking it was the biggest honor as a new blogger. Even though blogging awards are pretty much like chain emails, I still felt humbled to be considered worth mentioning from Lily Petal. She is another 20-something who is an aspiring writer (and already phenomenal I might add)! Another must read from a college student struggling to fight for some respect as an English/Writing major 😉 She always brightens my day with her witticisms and music videos. Even though she hasn’t been as active lately, I always look forward to new posts from her blog!

This guy is flying solo as the only man on my list, and that is Tony from A Way With Words. I started following his blog through the Canvas of the Minds group, and he is a truly incredible writer. I’m always impressed by his dedication to the mental health cause and how he uses every single one of his short stories or blog posts to further that cause. I feel like I tend to take a backseat to writing about mental health in a straight-forward way, but Tony jumps into it with grace. I’m always glad to have his input on my posts and to read what he has to say, so thank you Tony! Oh, and he is following his passion with his new memoir, Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission– congrats!

Lastly, but not in priorities, is Ruby Tuesday from the A Canvas of the Minds blog. She has always been so supportive of my mental health posts and just a wonderful spokesperson for the fight against mental health stigma. The fact she runs A Canvas of the Minds website, blog, Facebook, twitter, etc. is a testament to her resilient attitude. Her passion for the cause is infectious and makes me happy. I could not be more honored to be a part of the Blog for Mental Health movement! I know I’ve been kind of offline lately, but it’s still a cause close to my heart. So, thank you so much Ruby. Your diligence and patience helping run this group does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

With this little milestone in my blogging history, I just thought the most appropriate way to show my gratitude would be by giving some shout-outs. There are many more of you out there, I know. Especially all my friends and family (and my dutiful editor M) who humor me with staying up-to-date with what I write. I have been blown away by the people I have been able to “meet” through this medium. This isn’t some sort of marketing ploy, but completely sincere. In fact, I’ve debated off on and on whether to post this at all, but it is a post topic that always lingers in my head, and I could not go forward without posting it. Thanks for reading and being active in this space, you’ve made it so much more than I could have ever dreamed of….